Problem space - Critical infrastructure and supply chain protection
Critical infrastructure protection refers to preparedness and response to serious incidents that involve the critical infrastructure of a region or nation. More specifically, critical infrastructure protection as defined by the EU is the ability to prepare for, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from critical infrastructure disruptions or destruction, as well as to protect human lives.
Over the past decade, the EU has taken substantial steps to formulate integrated policies designed to enhance protection of European Critical Infrastructure (ECI) and reduce their vulnerability to a variety of threats, including terrorism, criminal activities, and natural disasters. The most significant advancement has been the introduction of the European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection (EPCIP). EPCIP embraces an all-hazards approach, also covering natural disasters and intentional man-made hazards. Effective protection will need binding international and global rules, since major infrastructures operate internationally or globally and threats can originate from any place in the world.
Policy developments call for support by well-focused EU-level research, which should include three main themes. First, a detailed assessment of interdependencies in the European Critical Infrastructure system, with special attention to dependencies on critical infrastructure in third countries; second, a comprehensive catalogue of critical supplies for the European economy, along with factors that could disrupt supply; third, analyses of how the new mandate from the Lisbon Treaty together with enhanced civilian and dual-use capabilities could change the Union’s role, including increasing political interest to protect energy sourcing, raw material, and food supply from the third countries. In addition, the definition of European critical supplies requires more detailed research.
Critical infrastructure protection refers to preparedness and response to serious incidents that involve the critical infrastructure of a region or nation. More specifically, critical infrastructure protection as defined by the EU is the ability to prepare for, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from critical infrastructure disruptions or destruction, as well as to protect human lives.
Over the past decade, the EU has taken substantial steps to formulate integrated policies designed to enhance protection of European Critical Infrastructure (ECI) and reduce their vulnerability to a variety of threats, including terrorism, criminal activities, and natural disasters. The most significant advancement has been the introduction of the European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection (EPCIP). EPCIP embraces an all-hazards approach, also covering natural disasters and intentional man-made hazards. Effective protection will need binding international and global rules, since major infrastructures operate internationally or globally and threats can originate from any place in the world.
Policy developments call for support by well-focused EU-level research, which should include three main themes. First, a detailed assessment of interdependencies in the European Critical Infrastructure system, with special attention to dependencies on critical infrastructure in third countries; second, a comprehensive catalogue of critical supplies for the European economy, along with factors that could disrupt supply; third, analyses of how the new mandate from the Lisbon Treaty together with enhanced civilian and dual-use capabilities could change the Union’s role, including increasing political interest to protect energy sourcing, raw material, and food supply from the third countries. In addition, the definition of European critical supplies requires more detailed research.